For me, the TOP TWO in the 5" range are the RMD and S5!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

And ultimately, that makes the RMD and S5 two of my favorite knives - PERIOD!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

It is a tough toss up for me between my S5 and RMD. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

They are both awesome. Just a bit different. Neither really has a "disadvantage".... just slightly different pros. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />







<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />


If the RMD's tang were skeletonized, I think I might end up ranking my RMD just a hair higher than my S5. I prefer the blade shape of the S5 over the factory RMD, but after modding one of my RMD's, they have about the same blade shapes now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> And of course mine HAVE to be satin. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Other 5" bladed worthy considerations / "Honorable Mentions" in my book would be the SAR5 and a couple of Bark River options: 2007 Club Knife and River's Edge

But, to be a true contender, IMO, the SAR5 really needs a fair amount of work and I just haven't done the mods yet. I just still see a lot of worthy potential in the SAR5. I want to remove the scales and do it right. So, I am still waiting till I gear up to be able to re-attach Busse hollow pins some day. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />


I also have the SERE, but don't have others that Vic has. But, I have a pretty good collection of others around 5".

I have had my SERE for years now and never really carry it. Like many knives with thumb ramps, I don't like the ramp on the SERE. But, I have been reluctant to even take the scales off to see if I can grind the ramp down. The scales seem hollow, so I have been afraid grinding them would be an issue. But, also, the SERE has a nice kydex sheath and the top ramp and lower guard humps are the retentions spots in the sheath. So, my SERE has been a queen. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> - Otherwise, nice knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> (Mine is 154CM)


I don't know why so many knife makers seem to skip over the 5" size a bit for some reason. (?????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
I honestly understand why a 4" blade might be a bit more popular. But, there just seems to be a disproportionate HUGE ratio of around 4" blades compared to 5" blades.

I do like a good 4" blade. But, I agree with Vic that for woods / trail choice, I VERY often grab my 5" blade. If designed right, a good 5" blade can offer a VERY wide variety of ability. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> without being much larger or heavier than a 4" blade.
I will likely grab my S5CG today. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> - Looks like a NICE looking day and the wife wants to take the dogs on a day trip to Huntsville state park about a bit over an hour north of here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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